Celestino Schiaparelli collections: manuscripts, coins and numismatic books

Celestino Schiaparelli’s activity as a collector is one the many aspects of his personality and interests that has remained in the shadows for too long. A variety of items – manuscripts, coins and numismatic books – that were once in his possession are now found in Italian public institutions (libraries and museums) in Rome and in Udine. By examining these, and the corresponding docu- ments – inventories and catalogues –, it is possible to shed some light on Schiaparelli as a collector. The nature and contents of Schiaparelli’s collections acquire greater significance when considered against the historical and cultural background of the newly unified Kingdom of Italy